Lim offers Manila fans free viewing

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim will treat poor residents of Manila to a free live viewing of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez fight at the city’s various sports complex and covered courts on Sunday.

Parks and recreation bureau director Deng Manimbo said the venues are the Del Pan Sports Complex (District 1) Patricia Sports Complex (Flora Street, Gagalangin, Tondo) District II, Rasac Covered Court (Alvarez Street corner Rizal Ave.) District III, Dapitan Sports Complex (Instruccion Street, Sampaloc) District IV, San Andres Sports Complex (San Andres Street, Malate) District V and Teresa Covered Court (Teresa Street, Sta. Mesa) District VI.

Admission starts at 8 a.m.

Lim has directed chief of staff and media bureau director Ric de Guzman and city administrator Jesus Mari Marzan to ensure the venues are properly set up, including security.

The city’s chief executive said the number of tickets to given away is in accordance with the capacity of a venue at one given time to avoid overcrowding.

He also advised those with tickets to go to the designated venues early.

De Guzman said non-ticket holders will also be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis although priority will be given to those with tickets.

“The free showing will give residents a chance to see the event unfold as it actually does in Las Vegas. There’s no need to go to Las Vegas or pay to watch the fight in hotels or restaurants,” Lim said.

Lim also ordered De Guzman to also coordinate with Manila Police District director Senior Supt. Alex Gutierrez to augment the security marshals tasked to maintain peace and order.